Global air cargo defies geopolitical headwinds with 6% growth in May

Global air cargo demand continued its strong recovery in May 2026, rising 6.0% year-on-year, according to IATA. International cargo traffic grew even faster, up 6.5%, while capacity increased by a more modest 1.9%, pushing load factors higher.

IATA said the sector remains resilient despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, where cargo demand fell 8.9% as regional conflicts continued to disrupt operations.

Africa recorded the strongest regional performance, with demand surging 13.3%, followed by North America (+10.5%), Asia-Pacific (+8.0%) and Europe (+6.7%). The Middle East was the only region to post a decline.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said that growing trade and manufacturing output, combined with airlines’ ability to adapt to changing market conditions, support cautious optimism for the remainder of 2026. Higher yields and stronger load factors are also helping carriers offset elevated fuel costs.

Among major trade lanes, Asia–North America led growth with a 19.9% increase, while Europe–Asia traffic rose 10.0%. In contrast, routes linked to the Gulf region remained heavily affected by the conflict in the Middle East, with Europe–Middle East traffic down 19.8% and Middle East–Asia traffic down 16.5%.

Despite persistent geopolitical and cost pressures, IATA said robust demand and airline resilience continue to underpin the air cargo market.